Wheeling, WV, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Over 1,000 students from more than 30 school districts took part in the annual Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase at Wheeling Park. The event featured hands-on activities that allowed students to interact with construction equipment and learn about potential careers in the trades. Project BEST Director Nathan Butts emphasized the importance of attracting new talent to the construction industry amid growing job opportunities and the burdens of college debt. The trades offer appealing starting wages and career paths through apprenticeships.
Wheeling, WV – More than 1,000 students from across the Ohio Valley gathered for the annual Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase at Wheeling Park on September 18, 2025. This event, designed to introduce students to various careers in the construction trades, saw participation from 30 different school districts.
Inside the park’s skating rink, dozens of local companies and trade professionals set up informational tables. Outside, students participated in a variety of hands-on activities that allowed them to operate a crane and a backhoe, finish concrete, and try on mining safety equipment. This interactive approach aimed to engage students and provide them a glimpse into the reality of working in the trades.
Project BEST Director Nathan Butts highlighted the growing urgency for attracting new entrants into the trades. He pointed out that the escalating burden of college debt raises important questions about career paths for students. The showcase emphasized that career opportunities in the trades do not come with the same financial liabilities as pursuing a four-year college degree. Students interested in these paths can engage in apprenticeships, where they can earn while they learn, training to become full-time journeymen.
Butts also noted that there are an estimated 500,000 construction jobs expected to need filling over the next five to ten years. This demanding job market underscores the importance of events like the showcase, providing students with valuable information about viable career options in the construction field. General starting wages in union trades are attractive, ranging from $18 to $25 per hour, in addition to benefits.
According to Jennifer Long, a member of the Plasterers and Cement Mason Finishers Local 926, student interest in trades has notably increased over the past two years. A representative sample of participating students revealed their heightened enthusiasm for careers in the trades. For instance, Connor Darlington, a student from Edison High School, expressed a strong interest in pursuing a career in carpentry. Meanwhile, two Bridgeport High School students, Thad Cooper and Landrum Robbins, gleaned insights about drone usage in the field from American Electric Power meter electrician Timothy Bradley.
The showcase served not only as a platform for students to explore various trades, but it also acted as a launching point for considering future career options. This year’s gathering reinforced the notion that the construction industry offers a promising alternative for students wary of hefty college debts.
FAQ Section
What is the Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase?
The Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase is an annual event that introduces students to various careers in the construction trades. It features hands-on activities and informational booths from companies in the industry.
How many students attended the showcase?
More than 1,000 students from 30 different school districts attended this year’s event.
What kinds of activities did students participate in?
Students were able to engage in activities such as operating cranes and backhoes, finishing concrete, and trying on mining safety equipment.
Why is the showcase important?
The showcase aims to attract individuals to the trades, providing them with career opportunities that often come without the burdens of college debt.
What is the average starting wage for trades in the region?
Starting wages in union trades generally range from $18 to $25 per hour, in addition to benefits.
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Additional Resources
- Times Leader: 1,000 Students Attend Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase
- News and Sentinel: College Receives $5 Million for Job Training
- WTOV9: Hands-On Job Fair Introduces High School Students to Union Trade Careers
- Weirton Daily Times: Wheeling YMCA Breaks Ground on Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Trades
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